Virginia House Democrats voted on Tuesday to implement new restrictive gun laws that could make it illegal to purchase most semi-automatic weapons.
The Virginia Senate passed SB 749 along party lines on Tuesday in a 21-19 vote after the House approved it in February. The bill, authored by Democratic Virginia State Sen. Saddam Salim, a Bangladeshi immigrant, will head to Spanberger’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law, as she previously advocated supporting “common-sense proposals.”
The legislation would ban sales of many assault-style weapons. Violators of the proposed law would face Class 1 misdemeanor charges, which could result in up to 12 months in jail. The legislation defines an “assault weapon” as a semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol.
SB 794 also includes the end of magazines with more than 15 rounds, a restriction that would have lasting effects, as high-capacity magazines have become widely popular with gun owners and make up almost three-fourths of all produced detachable magazines internationally, according to the National Rifle Association, citing a study from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Around 46% of magazines are rifle-capable that can hold more than 30 rounds, the reported study also found.
The bill would make Virginia one of the most restrictive states regarding weapons bans. Similar bans already exist is states like California, New York and New Jersey.
Supporters of the bill argue that it would help improve public safety. Democratic Virginia Del. Nadarius Clark told Courthouse News Service that the legislation aims to keep “communities safe from gun violence.”
“When I ran for the State Senate, I campaigned on this, and I promised that we would make real change in my first term,” Salim posted on X. “Together, we will get this to the Governor’s desk.”
Salim and Virginia Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle did not immediately respond to requests for further comment from The Daily Caller News Foundation.
Gun rights groups criticized the legislation, and they are prepared to take the measure to court if it is signed into law, according to NBC 4 Washington.
Former Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed numerous gun control measures attempted during his first term, according to Gun Owners of America. The former governor did sign safety measures into effect, including devices that could turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones, but vetoed bills that would have prohibited concealed and open carry.
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